Bachelor’s Degree Program Overview – Healthcare Management
Majors Overview August 18, 2014Receive information about a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program in Healthcare Management and its education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Programs in Healthcare Management
Students enrolled in healthcare management bachelor’s degree programs gain a good grasp of the functioning of organizations and healthcare systems. Knowledge of business management concepts is imparted to students who become adept at working with medical staff and patients. Students typically learn how to plan, organize and monitor healthcare organizations. Through completion of the program, students gain an understanding of industry regulations and typical financial management practices. They usually complete these programs in four years.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Some healthcare management programs are devised to serve the needs of associate degree holders in a related field.
Coursework
The focus of coursework in a healthcare management bachelor’s degree program is typically on imparting communication, leadership, teamwork and management skills to students who learn about essential business topics. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Marketing
•Information management systems
•Economics
•Organizational behavior
•Human resources for healthcare
•Healthcare law
•Healthcare finance
•Quality assurance
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may seek entry-level careers in various healthcare organizations. Although, larger organizations may prefer a master’s degree holder for these positions. Students of the bachelor’s degree program can seek management positions in work settings such as:
•Healthcare departments
•Pharmaceutical companies
•Insurance companies
•Physicians’ offices
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2010 – 2020 decade, job growth rates of 22% have been predicted for medical and health services managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought home an average annual wage of $88,580, averaging between a low level of $53,940 and a high level of $150,560 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates from the bachelor’s degree program can seek continued education by earning a master’s degree in healthcare management thereby enhancing their job prospects in various healthcare settings. In every state, licensure is compulsory for healthcare managers working in nursing care facilities, while some states require even assisted-living facility administrators to obtain licensure (BLS).
